Palestinians say teen killed as thousands riot on Gaza border

Demonstrators are burning tires, throwing rocks and explosive devices and trying to breach the fence; IDF responds with tear gas and live fire

Palestinian protesters burn tires during a demonstration near the fence along the border with Israel, east of Gaza City, on February 22, 2019

Times of Israel reports, “Hamas officials said a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed and at least 30 others were injured by live fire as thousands of Palestinians rioted along the Gaza border on Friday, throwing rocks and explosive devices at Israeli soldiers and trying to breach the fence. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry initially said the boy was 12, but later identified him as 15-year-old Yousef al-Dayya. They said he was shot in the chest and critically wounded. He later died of his injuries.”…

“There were no reports of injuries to IDF soldiers. The clashes come after a week of violence along the Gaza border. An Israeli drone fired at a motorbike that had been used by Palestinians launching airborne incendiary devices from the southern Gaza Strip into southern Israel on Thursday, Palestinian media reported.”

“The Israeli military refused to comment on the reports. According to the Hamas-affiliated Shehab news agency, the Israeli unmanned aerial device fired at the motorcycle east of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. No injuries were reported. Thursday’s reported strike came amid a recent uptick in the number of cross-border arson attacks by Palestinians in the Strip.” (more…)